This is B&B 9th year participating in the Mystic WoodenBoat Show's "family boat building" event. The Amanda dinghy continues to be a great family boat and over 70 have been built since 2011 (our first year at the show). Designer Graham Byrnes describes the Amanda design below...

”We wanted a boat that would be a great family knockabout. She should have lots of stability so that a less than perfect skipper could have fun in her and feel safe. Good load carrying for a family. Be able to pull a trap over the side or to stand up and cast as well as having enough stability to carry a good size sail in a breeze. The stern should have enough buoyancy to carry a passenger while rowing or carry up to a 6 HP motor on the transom.” -Graham Byrnes

Since 2011 we've expanded our kit offerings and we have learned what can and cannot be accomplished in a short 3 day building format. Below are the available kit options for 2018!

As always spots are limited since we will be building under a tent. We can accommodate about 8 boats ONLY so get on the list early! See below for details on how to sign up. If you want to know more and what to expect at the shop keep reading and see FAQ section at the bottom.

Moccasin 14 Canoe

Check out the Moccasin canoe page for details on this simple and versatile 14' canoe with tons of pictures and information about the boat. A great boat for kids and adults alike.COST: $1,350

Amanda 12' Dinghy

Originally designed with the Wooden Boat show in mind, the Amanda is a 12' dinghy that can be built in 3 days without compromising quality or small boat safety. Check out the Amanda page for specs. COST: $3,500 (includes mast, sail, rigging)

Moccasin 2 (Double Canoe)

The Moccasin "2" is a bigger sister to the Moccasin 14. At 33" wide and 15' 6" long she is easy to build and light weight. A great family project. Photo credit: Brett FellerCost: $1,500

Jessy 12 Skiff

Due to popular demand we created a full planing version of our Amanda skiff. The Jessy 12 is a pure planing hull, she will run 20 mph with only a 9.9 hp motor.COST: $2,700 (does not include motor)

So how do I sign up? Please contact Alan Stewart at 919-923-1464 or email: bandbkitboats@gmail.com with subject “Family Boatbuilding Mystic”A $675 deposit is due at time of ordering to secure your spot. Final billing will go out approximately 2 weeks before the event.

What is included?
For each design the kit includes ALL the wooden parts AND consumables needed to build the boat EXCEPT finishing products such as paint or varnish. We will “pre-assemble” the major components such as the side and bottom panels and the dagger-board trunks in the case of the Amanda. This is necessary so that the boats can be “finished” by the end of the day on Sunday. All you and your family need to bring are the tools listed below and at least two people per boat project preferably 3.

Notes on Safety and what to bring:
First and foremost we want everyone at the boat show to have a good time. This means we want everyone to be safe working with tools and epoxy. Epoxy and fiberglass is easy to work with and very safe but you don’t want to get it in your eyes and it will ruin clothing. Please bring your own PPE (personal protective equipment) You will need to bring for each person working on the project:

Respiratory protection: Dust masks for sanding, or filter mask if you are especially sensitive to dust. Bring enough to allow 2-3 per person per day. We may have some extra but not enough so bring your own.

Eye protection: Safety glasses or goggles.

Ear protection: Ear plugs or headsets. While you don’t need a power sander or a vacuum cleaner you are welcome to bring them.

Skin protection: We will providing nitrile gloves in the consumables pack for each boat.

We recommend you wear old work clothes – it is impossible to get epoxy out of clothing.

Optional: Palm sander or orbital sander and small vacuum. This will speed up sanding but careful workmanship will make for very little sanding.

Other helpful tips:-If taking home your boat on the roof of your car, make sure you have sufficient padding and straps to secure it. Many car racks are not wide enough for the Amanda. Check before hand. A few 2×4’s can save the day. -Bring a rolling dolly for the Moccasin canoe so you can roll your boat out to the parking lot. This saves carrying your boat or trying to bring your vehicle into the show during the peak “pack up” time on Sunday.

Frequently asked Questions: (We’ll add more as we get them)

What should I expect? How hard is it?:It depends on which kit you choose and how hard you want to work. We are very flexible and you do not have to stick to our building schedule if you are ok completing some of the assembly at home. The Moccasin canoes in past years have been able to paddle on Sunday. The Amanda is perhaps the most “work” to complete. More hands are better if you are planning on this one. If you are not sure about which boat might be right for you just give us a call.

Can I participate by myself?
Sorry, it’s just too much work for 1 person to complete in the time we will have. 2 persons minimum (3 for the Amanda) please. 1 Adult and kid is ok provided they can reach into the boat and are able to work. The Amanda is more involved than the Moccasin, 3 people minimum for that one.

What is the schedule?We try to begin working as soon as possible in the mornings when the show gates open. Lunch is whenever you get hungry. It can be helpful to bring a pre-packed lunch for your crew as the lines can be long at the vendor tents. The Amanda build is a lot more work for the crew hence why we recommend extra hands. We are typically working right up till the show closes each day with an hour break for lunch. If you have more hands and get each step done faster you’ll have more time to see some of the show.

Will my boat be totally done when I leave?
Define “done”. A hand made boat is by definition never “finished” but we try never to send a boat home that isn’t “complete” meaning everything glued in place. Most Moccasin 14 builders should have their boats coated with epoxy and ready to hit the water at the end of the show however you’ll go home with leftover epoxy if you still have some coating left to do. Painting and or varnishing is up to you. We will be happy to recommend products to use.

The Amanda dinghy typically is not ready to hit the water by the end of the show but is ready for final sanding before epoxy coating the exterior and painting. Some very productive groups have gotten their Amanda epoxy coated at the show but most opt not to and risk strapping down a sticky boat to their car or trailer. The plywood will not be damaged if you have to take your boat home in the rain without epoxy coating, simply allow it to fully dry before you start working on it again.

If you would like to see more of the show and not spend the entire time working on your boat then by all means! We’ll help you understand the next steps to complete at home.

How will I get the boat home?
Please plan on carrying your boat home with you on roof racks or foam blocks on your car. We won’t be able to carry any assembled boats back with us! The Amanda will fit on the roof of a medium-large wagon or SUV or pickup truck. If you are not planning to bring a trailer for the Amanda, make sure your car will handle it and you bring an appropriate amount of line, straps, 2x4s, and duct tape!